This specialized equine therapy helps drivers increase muscle strength, joint mobility, balance and coordination, improves communication, perceptual skills, gives greater self confidence and trust, stronger connections to the physical world and to other people and lessened feelings of loneliness and dependence, among many other benefits. 

Through the multiple benefits and practice of driving, for example, a stroke or PTSD or TBI victim may relearn how to drive a car again or a child might achieve the independence and ability to thrive academically and socially through use of a motorized vehicle or scooter. 

This program will help drivers of all ages and ability levels improve their physical, mental & emotional well being. 

The harness for Strawberry (pictured left) is generously donated by Chimacum Tack!  www.ChimacumTack.com

Thank you Chimacum .. we LOVE the harness! 

Thanks to a grant from the Speeday Children's Charities,  we will be providing carriage driving for children and adults who cannot otherwise safely sit astride a horse.   This would include causes such as paralysis, weight gain due to illness or injury, lack of balance or muscle tone, etc.  

• Improved balance and muscle strength - students have fewer falls, increased mobility and independence at home, school, and social situations. Sometimes this task is as simple as the ability to sit up at a desk or table.
• Improved coordination, faster reflexes and increased motor planning - functionally, we see families can enjoy going out together, students can handle a lunch tray in the cafeteria, carry their books and get to classes, sit up at the desk to work and learn.
• Increased core strength and development - the rider's ability to perform self-care, bathe, and use the restroom is increased.
• Increased range of motion of joints - students are better able dress themselves and groom themselves.
• Stretching of tight or spastic muscles - students experience less pain and discomfort in their everyday lives. 
• Decreased spasticity - students experience  fewer falls and increased ability to walk and move around while experiencing less pain.
• Improved respiration and circulation - riders and drivers experience increased tolerance of exercise and daily routine and better overall health and wellness.
• Stimulates sensory integration - the student's ability to cope with external factors is improved.
• Improved visual spatial perception - riding and driving improve the student's ability to understand their position in space. Their position or orientation within that space can affect their gross motor skills and classroom performance.
• Better hand-eye coordination - students experience increased ability to feed themselves, brush their hair and teeth, and perform schoolwork.
• Reduction of abnormal movement patterns - students experience increased comfort and confidence in independent movements. 

• Development of learned skills - doing two things at once such as “whoa” and “pull back” creates sequencing ability, enhancing learning.   
• Tactile awareness and sensory integration - students experience fewer ‘meltdowns’ due to a touch, sight or sound.  Riding and driving promote emotional wellbeing and the ability to cope in stressful situations, ability to filter what riders need to move forward in a situation.
• Improved application of tasks and skills - following multiple steps for grooming and dressing tasks improves function in similar sequential tasks (such as 'brush your teeth')
• Sequencing, patterning and motor planning - riding and driving can help with  remembering how to get to class, location and travel patterns, what tools to take, which room to go in, and where to sit.  Like brushing teeth:  1) locate appropriate bathroom 2) get toothbrush 3) wet toothbrush 4) apply toothpaste 5) brush teeth 6) rinse 7) rinse toothbrush ) 8) put toothbrush away 9) put toothpaste away - those are sequences we take for granted.

• Improved self-confidence - riding and driving promote independence, appropriate social interaction, eye contact, and communication.
• Improved risk-taking abilities -  riders and drivers have higher participation in school, and are more likely to accept challenges.
• Better emotional control and development of patience - students experience fewer meltdowns, and improved socialization.
• Greater self-awareness and self-confidence - riding and driving improve the ability and confidence to learn coping skills.
• Achievement - pride, dignity, self-worth are all increased through our program.
• Teamwork and collaboration - a rider's or driver's ability to work closely with teachers, medical professionals, peers and family is increased.
• Friendship and compassion - students feel more confident  and able to have a friend or get along in the family unit. Our program increases self-value and motivation.
• Cooperation - students become better at following instructions, behavior control, teamwork.
• Personal hygiene - grooming and self care become easier.
• Expansion of locus of control - self-control and initiation of self-determination activities become easier. 
• Greater respect for others, both humans and animals - students show better respect and restraint with humans and animals.